The Waterside Inn in Bray is the only restaurant in the UK to hold 3 Michelin Stars for over 30 years. Starting at Le Gavroche, holding 2 Michelin stars itself, brothers Michel and Albert Roux, hatched upon the idea of an elegant restaurant and cocktail bar in a traditional English Pub setting. Having received an honorary OBE in 2002, Michel has now passed responsibility to his son, Alain Roux, as Chef Patron.
Having been opened originally in 1972, it was time for a thorough upgrade with a considerable extension to house the new catering equipment and the large amount of M&E plant and controls needed. Gratte Brothers was appointed to produce a design that would meet their exacting specification.
Highlights included the customised double thickness stainless steelwork stations to Alain’s design, the installation of an audio system linking the various prep areas, a bespoke Athanor cooking suite and blast freezing pastry chamber. Gratte Brothers added their own touch with water etched Stainless Panels on the canopy.
For an installation of this quality, the 12-week programme that would see the restaurant open for Easter Sunday bookings was tight. Eager not to waste a moment, Gratte Brothers arranged for their team to be on site to strip out on New Year’s morning.
Gratte Brothers won both the Catering Equipment Distributors Association (CEDA) Hotel Sector and Grand Prix Award for this project.
